Kenya’s latest athletics sensation, Lilian Odira, has revealed how she plans to distribute her Ksh12 million windfall following her shocking gold medal win in the women’s 800m at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. The 26-year-old athlete, who was relatively unknown before the competition, made history by clinching the gold medal in a race filled with surprises.
Heading into the event, the spotlight was primarily on defending champion Mary Moraa and Olympic gold medalist Keely Hodgkinson. However, Odira defied all expectations, surging from behind in the final stretch to steal victory with a time of 1:54.62, setting a championship record. Her win not only earned her global recognition but also a significant financial reward: Ksh9 million from World Athletics for her gold medal and an additional Ksh3 million from the Kenyan government, totaling Ksh12 million.
Speaking in an interview, Odira explained that she wants to share her reward with those who have been pivotal to her success. First on her list are her parents, whose unwavering support has been instrumental throughout her journey. “My parents have always been supportive. They follow and watch every race. They still send me pocket money even now,” Odira shared. She added, “They will enjoy the fruits of my legs.”
In addition to her parents, Odira is also focusing on her coach, Jacinta Maraguri, who has been a key figure in her career since 2019. Reflecting on their journey together, Odira acknowledged the challenges and triumphs they’ve shared, vowing to reward her coach generously. “We started from grass with her. My coach has been there for me, through thick and thin.”
Odira also expressed her gratitude for her children, who continue to motivate her every day. “My kids are my daily motivators. That is why I wake up every morning,” she said. Her understanding family has played an essential role in her ability to focus on her training and competition, as they always support her despite the time away.
Looking ahead, Odira plans to take a short break before resuming training for the 2026 season, where she aims to add more titles to her collection, including gold at the Commonwealth Games and the World Athletics Ultimate Championships.
